Greeley PFLAG reacts to Trump tweets, says decision to bar transgender people from military a step back

When Pat Kennedy first heard about President Trump's decision to bar transgender people from serving in the military, she asked herself why. She remembers how he promised to fight for the LGBTQ+ community during his campaign.

Kennedy is president of PFLAG Greeley, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group. When Barack Obama decided to allow folks who identify as transgender to serve, she said, a year of research went into it. She wonders what changed.

"It doesn't make sense to withdraw support for patriots willing to lay down their lives for this country," Kennedy said.

The country has come a long way, Kennedy said, but this decision is a step back.

Julie Miller of Greeley is a counselor who specializes in helping people who are dealing with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression and chronic illnesses that may be unique to the LGBTQ+ community.

She said the announcement signified a step backward. She also worried about the financial impact to those who would potentially be asked to leave their jobs.

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"We have a lot of good people who serve in the military no matter how they identify," Miller said.

On a local level, however, Kennedy said the LGBTQ+ community in Greeley has seen increased support, even since Trump's election. Schools are more supportive than they used to be. Other organizations are more supportive, as well.

"The fight isn't over," Kennedy said. "We're not where we'd like to be. It shouldn't even be an issue."